Scientists in Montreal have discovered that not all human cells are identical, a surprising observation that could turn genetic research upside down.

For years, scientists have worked on the assumption that, when it comes to DNA, every cell in the body is essentially similar to every other cell.

But the results of a study published in the July issue of the journal Human Mutation show there are major genetic differences between blood and tissue cells….

My question: how will Personal Genomics companies like 23andMe, Navigenics, etc., respond to this news? This new discover seems to imply that the standard methods those companies use to gather genetic samples may be fundamentally flawed.

So, will they suspend service until they understand the issue better? Should they? Of course, I’m not a geneticist — so maybe I’m over-stating the significance of this new bit of science. But then the question is, will Personal Genomics companies (who do, after all, employ geneticists) explain to the purchasing public the extent to which this new finding is-or-isn’t relevant to their services?

Biotech Ethics BLOG

This blog is about ethical issues in the biotechnology industry. That includes all 3 main areas of that industry: health biotech, food biotech, and industrial biotech. (The last two are particularly important, and don't get enough attention.)

Unlike my Business Ethics Blog, this one will focus on aggregating information, rather than offering much commentary.